Research Article | Open Access
National Language and Security in Nigeria: A Review of the Integrative and Comprehensive Implementation Strategy Model
Nina F. Nwulu, Chika G. Opara, Francis U. Nnamani, Appolonia I. Amadi, Queen U. Njemanze
Pages: 974-981
Abstract
This paper highlights the instrumental role of language as a vital tool for ensuring national security and socio-political engineering in a multilingual country like Nigeria. It highlights the importance of a national language as a driving force for national unity and security. This paper argues that in a country like Nigeria with many indigenous languages and about 250 ethnic nationalities, the need for a national language cannot be overemphasized. This is so because a national language plays a fundamental role in ensuring national security and upholding the nation's shared values. However, this paper does not advocate an outright rejection of the English language or elevation of any Nigerian indigenous languages to the status of a national language. Since language is used to express our cultural beliefs, religion, values, socio-political issues, etc., it becomes very paramount that people of the same origin who share common geographical boundaries, identities, cultural values, political ethos, and history should choose a unifying language common to them to express themselves. In this paper, efforts are made to explain the empirical role that a national language can play towards the security of life and property. The study adopts a descriptive method to emphasize the essence of a national language. Using the model and commendable practice of integrative and comprehensive implementation strategy of the United Republic of Tanzania. Therefore, to curb insecurity, violence and hate speech in Nigeria, this study recommends the implementation of a national language as a means of communication by our language policymakers. In conclusion, the researcher found out that a national language acts as a catalyst in promoting unity, peace, and security in a nation.
Keywords
National Language, Communication, Integrative Strategy, National Security, Nigeria